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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: amanda21 on February 26, 2006, 09:27:24

Title: How can I tell the difference?
Post by: amanda21 on February 26, 2006, 09:27:24
I have some fruit bushes given to me from two different people.  I know two if them are blackcurrant but have two that are currant but don't know if are red or black.  I understand that when I plant  them the blackcurrant needs to go in deeper than the redcurrant, therefore is there any way to tell them apart (obviously there's no fruit on them at the moment!).  I keep looking at them and can't see anything striking but maybe there is a subtle difference?   ???
Title: Re: How can I tell the difference?
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on February 26, 2006, 13:34:45
Don't worry too much. I planted out a lot of blackcurrants some years ago, and one of them turned out to be a redcurrant. It grew perfectly happily. It'll soon become obvious, the thing to remember is that redcurrant forms a typical bush, while blackcurrant produces masses of stems which rise from the ground.
Title: Re: How can I tell the difference?
Post by: jennym on February 26, 2006, 13:52:57
These pictures aren't brilliant, but here goes.
Title: Re: How can I tell the difference?
Post by: Paulines7 on February 26, 2006, 15:14:15
Amanda, blackcurrant plants have a strong smell to them, especially the leaves, whereas redcurrants have very little smell by comparison.
Title: Re: How can I tell the difference?
Post by: amanda21 on February 26, 2006, 15:18:58
Thanks Guys - I've stuck 'em in this afternoon and put the ones I were told were blackcurrants deeper.  I think I might be meant to prune them???? but I forgot my secateurs (sp?) anyway.  I think I might have 2 red 2 black and 1 gooseberry but we shall wait and see if I'm right.....can't wait but I know it will be next year now for fruit.   :'(